Canadian National Exhibition (The CNE)

This annual fair is fun for the entire family. Midway rides bring chills and thrills. The National Trade Centre boasts an International Marketplace with goods spanning the globe along with innovative products. Horse shows and dog shows entertain both young and old.

Top 5 Things to See, Do and Taste at The Ex in 2017

From thrilling rides to international cuisine and the latest and greatest in Canadian technology, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), otherwise known as “The Ex,” is an end-of-summer ritual. But navigating through its labyrinths of music, swirling candy-coloured lights and the squeals of satisfied thrill-seekers can be overwhelming. To help plan your adventure, here are our top 5 picks.

Show off your skills at the all new Gaming Garage

New in 2017, The Gaming Garage is a special three-day event introducing the latest in the world of gaming and gaming competition. From August 25 to 27, test your skills against hundreds of other gamers in an open eSports and Pinball competition for a cash prize. Or just cruise around and check out some featured exhibitors, meet real video game developers or challenge your friends to a board game at the interactive Tabletop Gaming Library.

This event is free with admission to the CNE. Check for updates using #CNEGamingGarage.

Challenge your gut with time-tested tilting fun

Celebrating 90 years in 2017, the Tilt-A-Whirl continues to delight children and adults alike. If you like to twist, tilt and twirl in unpredictable ways, be sure to pay a visit to this chaotic piece of history, situated right at the centre of the CNE midway action. Just be sure not to eat too much popcorn before your ride!

Immerse yourself in the East Coast with some toe-tapping action

This year the Canadian Maritimes take over Opening Weekend on August 19 to 20, with a good old-fashioned East Coast Kitchen Party. This CNE first features ocean-inspired cuisine, delicious craft brews, oyster shucking and of course, fiddling. Feeling adventurous? Try “screeching in” Newfoundland-style.

Take a walk on the spooky side of the CNE

An off-shoot of the CNE Heritage Walking Tour, which guides visitors through The Ex’s rich 138-year history, comes the CNE Ghost Walks. Departing from the Princes’ Gates, these 60-minute tours explore some of the darker historical events to occur (with some continuing to occur nightly) in and around Exhibition Place. Culminating at the historic Scadding Cabin, these tours are a perfect way to experience something different – and spooky – at the CNE in 2017.

Catch the highest-flying action the CNE has to offer

Celebrate 68 years of gravity-defying aerial stunts this Labour Day weekend, from September 2 to 4 with the Canadian International Air Show. From showcasing the latest in aviation technology to the iconic acrobatics of Canada’s own Snowbirds, this annual centerpiece of the CNE is not to be missed!